Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence (MA)
About the programme
Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence focuses on inequality in all its forms. You will approach this subject from an intersectional perspective. Since categories of power and identity are always intertwined, the courses in the programme reflect this reality. This means you will study how societies deal with diversity in all its facets, and not per one form of diversity.
Why study Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence?
During the programme you will benefit from the wealth of research done by the teachers that are involved with the programme. The concept inequality will be studied from the moment the first empires arose to the present. Examples of key subjects include (the end of) colonialism and slavery, the role of emancipatory movements and migrant history. You will study how people self-identified and how they were identified by others, and how this restricted and created opportunities. You will also learn how to place these processes in a global and comparative context.
You will study how people self-identified and how they were identified by others, and how this restricted and created opportunities. You will analyse the effects of processes of urbanisation, migration, empire building and colonisation, and economic growth and decline in a global and comparative context in any part of the period 1500 until now.
Local sources and global development
In our research and teaching the comparative method, inspired by an interest in (global) connections, plays a central role. We try to connect local sources with global developments. Primary sources form the building blocks that are needed to understand how people experienced social and cultural changes and global interactions.
Leiden University experts linked to the CMGI specialisation
Inequality in power was the basis for empire building (a focus point in the teachings of Catia Antunes) and slavery.
Inequality did not disappear with the end of colonialism and slavery (studied by Karwan Fatah Black).
The labour market position of women in the early modern city was not the same as that of men, and there were differences according to for instance place of birth and class (Ariadne Schmidt).
There were also differences according to gender, class, citizenship, age and religion of those who were brought before the courts in the Netherlands and in the colonies (Manon van der Heijden, Marion Pluskota) and these differences affected access to health care (Evelien Walhout).
Over time emancipatory movements have tried to remedy inequalities such as the women's movement, the LGBTQ+ movement (Andrew Shield), the labour movement (Dennie Oude Nijhuis; Jeroen Touwen), peace movement, environmental movement, housing movement, student movement, anti-racism movement, and the disability movement (Paul van Trigt).
Migrants (including refugees) were granted or denied rights, and organisations of migrants, for migrants, and against migrants sought to influence debates (Marlou Schrover, Nadia Bouras, Rebekka Grossmann, and Leo Lucassen).
Programme structure
- Literature Seminar, 10 EC
- Research Seminar, 10 EC
- Research Workshop, 5 EC
- Academic Skills and Thesis Seminar, 5 EC
- Optional Courses, 10 EC
- Thesis and Exam, 20 EC
Detailed programme
For a detailed overview of the curriculum, please check the Prospectus. This shows the themes we focus on this academic year.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?